Gear shifting mechanism



May 26, 1942. H. BAADE GEAR SHIFTING MECHANISM Filedl June 8, 1938 3 Sheets-Sheet l @www 36 #pvp/5,4405

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May 26, 1942. H* BAADE 2,284,246

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GEAR SHIFTING MECHANISM l Filed June 8, 1938 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 @Mmm/M3 Patented May 26, 1942 GEAR SHIFTIN G MECHANISM Henry Baade, Detroit, Mich., assignor to Automatic Shifters, Inc., Richmond, Va., a corporation of Virginia Application'June 8, 1938, Serial No. 212,591

21 Claims.

This invention relates to power operated gear shifting mechanisms for motor vehicles.`

In the copending application of Henry` W. Hey, Serial No. 169,288, filed October v15, 193'?, there is disclosed a vacuum operated gear shifting mechanism for motor vehicles wherein a novel control valve `mechanism controls communication of the shifting motor with the atmosphere and the intake manifold to provide the various shifting movements. The valve mechanism is.

controlled by a suitably located manually operable handle and by the operation of the motor to provide a follow-up action whereby the shifting movement takes place to a degree proportional to the degree of movement of the handle. A fluid pressure operated device is connected to be influenced by pressures in opposite ends of the shifting motor and is arranged to utilize such pressures.l for creating resistance to the movement of the handle whereby the latter is provided with the highly desirable feel to assist the operator in properly performing the gear shifting operations.

In my copending application Serial No.'287, 844, filedL May 13, 1938, I have disclosed and claimed a gear shifting mechanism which embodies the principles of operation of the copending application of Henry W. Hey, referred to above, the mechanism being highly simplified by embodying the control valve mechanism -in one of the heads of the shifting motor. Moreover, the reaction device by means of which the manually operable handle is provided with feel is arranged between the shifting motor cylinder and the head thereof to be influenced by pres- I sures in opposite ends of the shifting ,motor. Such arrangement eliminates the separate fluid pressure reaction device, and the mechanism as a whole is not only simplified, but is so vmaterially reduced in size as to facilitate its installation in many motor vehicles, the space available for a shifting mechanism being quitelimited in most vehicles.

While the mechanism of my copending application is such as to facilitate its installation in many motor vehicles in which such installation is difficult if not impossible with other constructions, it has been found that even such a simplified mechanism cannot be installed insome present motor vehicles, and vehicle structures which are now being designed for future manufacture. Thisis due to the fact that space iseven further limited in such vehicles because ofthe character of the engine mountingS, thef-Pl'cilgi of the hand brake control cable, the arrangement of over-drive control mechanisms, etc.

Moreovenmotor vehicle manufacturers are becoming increasingly aware of the desirability of eliminating ythe conventional gear shift lever from the oorboards and to this end severalA vehicles are now equipped with manual gear shift levers mounted beneath and movable parallel to the planes of the steering wheels, and othermotor vehicles embodying the same feature are now in the process of design and manufacture. While such manually shiftable mechanisms are highly desirable over the use of gear shift levers projecting upwardly from the floorboards, they are objectionable for other reasons. In the first place, more force for performing a shifting movement is necessary because of the additional resistances to the shifting operations introduced because of the mechanical connections such as links, levers, etc. through which movement` of, the gear shifting yhandle is transmitted to the gear set. Moreover, the gear shift levers partake of a substantial movement and accordingly it is difficult to reach around the steering wheel a sufficient distance to perform the shift into second gear.

An important object of the present invention is to provide a gear shifting mechanism wherein the advantages `of my copending application referred to are embodied in a shifting motor and its control mechanism and wherein the shifting mechanism may be mountedv adjacent to and supported with respect to the steering column instead of being arranged adjacent the gear set where insuiiicient space may beavailable.

A further object is to provide a mechanism of this character wherein a follow-up valve mechanism is lprovided for the shifting motor and wherein the motor, the valve mechanism and the manual control means for the latter are all compactly arranged in association with the steering column.

A further object is to provide a novel combination of valve operating and controlling levers and associated parts with the steering column ina particularly efficient arrangement wherein `a minimum amount ofr space is required for the parts.

,A further object is to provide a novel mechanisml of this character which may be readilyvemployedin connection with manual shifting mechanisms having operating handles arrangedadja- ,centr/he steering wheel and wherein the change- .qvecfrom manual to power shifting may be very .easily accomplished by the simple substitution of the present mechanism for one of the parts of a manual shifting mechanism of the character referred to.

A further object is to provide a shifting mechanism adapted to beconnected into a manual shifting mechanism which includes a shifting crank projecting laterally fromthe steering column beneath the iloorboards and wherein the motion transmitting means usually connected to such crank is eliminated in favor of a valve operating link forming a part of the present mechanism, such link being arrangedat one side of the steering column and the shifting m'otorar ranged adjacent the other side ofthe steering column, and these elements being connected beneath the steering column, thus 'minimizing the space required for the apparatus as well as simplifying its installation in changing-over from a manual to a powerzshifting mechanism.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent during the course of the portion of the steering column, parts being shown in section and parts being broken away.

Figure 4 is a longitudinal sectional4 view y through the shifting motor and associated parts',

the plane of section being parallel to the axis of the motor and taken through the axis of the control valve,

Figure 5 is a section on line 5-5 of Figure 4,

mitting an actuating force thereto. This mechanism may be of any desired type and accordingly has not been illustrated in detail. As shown in Figure 8, the gear set may be provided with a cover plate I5 having bearings I6 at opposite sides rotatably supporting a shaft I1. This shalt is provided at one end with a depending crank I8 pivotally connected at its free end as at I9 to a yoke 20 carried by the rear end of a rod ZI.

Within the gear set are the usual low and reverse gear shift rail' 22 and second and high gear shift rail 23, and such shift rails are re- "spectively notched as at 24 and 25 to selectively receiveY a depending crank 26 carried by a sleeve 21 splined as at 28 on the shaft I1. Adjacent one end, the sleeve 21 is provided with a lateral extension 29 engageable .by a pin 33 connected to one end of a'Bowden wire 3I operating in a flexible tube 32. Between the opposite end of the sleeve 21 and the corresponding side of the coverplate I5 a compression spring 33 surrounds the shaft I1 and urges the sleeve 21 in the direction of the pin 30.

It`will be apparent that the spring 33 biases the finger or crank 26 into engagement with the notch 25 of the second and high gear shift rail 23 and that the transmission of a force to the member 23 by the pin 30 will slide the sleeve 21 against the tension of the spring 33 to arrange the nger 26 in notch 24 and thus select the 10W and reverse gear shift rail 22 for actuation. It will oe apparent that since the sleeve 21 is splined on the shaft I1, turning movement of such shaft will cause the finger 26 to actuate either shift rail, depending upon' the notch with which it is-in engagement. As stated', the structure shown in Figure '8 is not essential per se to the operation of the present. invention since any desired type of selecting and shifting mech- Figure 6 is a section on line 6-6 of Figure 2,

certain of the motor parts being shown in broken lines,

Figure 7 is a fragmentary sectional viewl on line Referring to Figure 1 the numeral I0 designates the dash or bulkhead of a motor vehicle at the lower end of which is arranged the sloping floorboards II at the front of the drivervs compartment, these `parts being illustrated to assist inA an understanding of the location of the parts of the apparatus. The vehicle is provided with a steering column indicated as a whole by the numeral I2 and provided atv its upper end with a steering lwheel I3. A motor vehicle engine and clutch (not shown)` deliver power through a V gear set indicated as a whole by the numeral I4 to drive the vehicle in the usualmanner.

In Figure 8 a suitable mechanism is illustrated as being associated with the gear set for selecting either shift rail for actuation and for transanism may be employed in conjunction with the gear set The mechanism in Figure 8, however, is used in conjunction with the gear sets of certain motor vehicles which are provided with manually operable means for actuating the pin and crank I8, and `in which mechanisms the present invention is particularly adapted to be used to provide power instead of manual shifting.

,In Figures 1 and 2 the steering column is shown as being of the general type employed with the manual shifting mechanism referred to. It will be noted that the steering column is formed of a pair of sections 34 and 35 arranged inaxial alignment with their ends in spaced relation. These column sections are connected by a. two-part casting 36 comprising upper and lower parts 31 and 38. These parts have their adjacent edges bolted together as at33 and each is cylindrically flanged as at 40 to receive the adjacent end of the associated steering column section. The steering post 4I is arranged axially of the steering column and is connected to the steering wheel inthe usual manner.

A tubular actuating member 42 is arranged concentrically'within the steering column and surrounds the post 4I. The upper end of the tubular member 42 is provided with an internal bearing 43 vsurrounding the steering post, while the lower end of the tubular member 42 is rotatably supported in a bearing 44 formed integral with the section 31. At onev side of the steering column, an opening 45 is formed between the Y casting sections 31' and 38 and a crank arm. 46 l projects voutwardly through this opening. 'Ihe free end of this arm, in the manually shiftable mechanism previously referred to, is connected to an element forming a part of a motion transmitting means for effecting movement of the selected shift rail. In the present construction, however, the free end of the crank arm 46 is employed for operating a valve mechanism, as will be described in detail later.

The cast member 38 is provided with a split extension 41 in which is slidably mounted a member 48 having a button 49 at its end engageable with one face of the crankarm 46, such portion of the crank arm being materially widened as at 50 to provide a broad bearing face for the button 49 which will remain in engagement therewith in any position of the crank arm 46, as will become apparent. The slidable member 48 is connected to one endA of the Bowden wire 3| previously described, the flexible casing 32` for the Bowden wire being connected to the member 41 as shown in Figure 3. The tubular member 42 (Figure 3) is not only lrotatable but is also axially movable under conditions to be referred to, and such axial movement presses Aagainst the kbottom 49 to transmit corresponding movement to the button 30 (Figure 8) and thus select the low and reverse gear shift rail 22 for operation. The biasing spring 33 not only normally holds the sleeve 21 in the position shown in Figure 8, but also acts through the button 36, Bowden wire 3| and button 49 to normally hold the crank arm 46 in the position shown in Figure 3.

In the manually shiftable mechanism, for certain parts of which the present construction is substituted in a manner to be described, a

handle is provided adjacent the steering wheel for effecting axial movement of the tube 42 to select one shift rail for operation and gfor' rocking the member 42 on its axis to actuate the selected shift rail. Such handle is necessarily long and relatively heavy in order to possess the necessary strength and to provide the necessary leverage for effecting the necessary shifting operations. While the same handle may be employed with the present mechanism, it is much preferred that the handle illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 be employed since it is relativelylight and simple in construction and may be materially shorter since its movement for shifting the selected shift rail is only a fraction of the distance of movement necessary in the manual shifting mechanism referred to.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2 the numeral 5l designates a housing carried by the steering column adjacent the steering wheel and provided at one side with an arcuate opening 52 at right angles to the axis of the steering column. A handle lever 53 may be provided with a ball 54 arranged. in the opening 52 and pivotally connected as at 55 to the tubular member 42. Inas much as the end of the handle lever 53 adjathe steering column to axially move the memitate engagement with one of the operators n- Vgers therewith independently of the flange 58.

This arrangement per se forms no part of the present invention but is described and claimed in the copending application of Henry W. Hey, Serial No, 196,084, led March 15, 1938.

A motor is fixed with respect to the steering column for delivering power to actuate the crank I8 and thus move the selected shift rail. The

motor is indicated as a whole by the numeral 60 column byI a member which forms a portion ofv the connecting means between the two steering column sections 34 and 35. The head 63 is secured to the cylinder in any suitable manner and contains a valve mechanism similar to the corresponding mechanism shown in my copending application Serial No. 207,844, filed May 13, 1938.

Referring to Figures 4 and 6, the numeral 64 designates a bore in which is arranged a valve cylinder provided adjacent opposite ends with ports 66 and 61'communicating respectively with pockets 68 and 69 formed in the cylinder head 63. A cap member 18 is secured against the end of the cylinder head 63 in which .the valve mechanism is arranged and forms a closure for the bore 64 and for a pocket 1| formed in the cylinder head 63 as shown in Figures 4 and 6.

A cylindrical valve 12 is slidable in the valve cylinder 65 and is provided intermediate its ends with a reduced portion 13 forming a vacuum passage which is in vconstant communication with the pocket 1| through a slot 14 formed in the valve cylinder 65. The valve 12 is adapted to be actuated through the medium of a crank arm 15 mounted upon a shaft 16 extending through one wall of the cylinder head 63 as shown in Figure 6 and provided at its outer end with an operating crank 11. The crank arm 15 is provided at its inner end with la ball 18 engageable in a socket 19 formed in one side of the valve 12.

It willbe apparent that when rocking movement is transmitted to the crank 11, the valve 12 Awill be moved axially. Movement of the valve in one direction connects the vacuum passage 13 of the valve to the port 66 while the port 61 communicates with the interior of the valve cylinder 65. Conversely, movement of the valve 12 in the other direction connects the vacuum passage 13 of the valve to the port 61 while the port 66 communicates with the interior of the valve cylinder. It will be4 noted that the cap 10 is provided with a passage from which a port 8|- leads into the pocket 1|, and the passage 80 is connected by a pipe 82 to a flexible hose 83 lead` ing to the intake manifold of the motor vehicle ber 42, the steering column section 34 is provided with a suitable opening 56 to permit such movement to take place. At its outer end, the lever 53 is provided with a handle indicated as a Whole by the numeral 51 and comprising a flange portion 58 approximately parallel to the plane of the vsteering wheel and projecting slightly beyond the steering wheel. The handle 51 further includes a flange or finger piece 59 preferably formed integral with theflange 58 and arranged centrally of the width thereof. The

fiange 59 projects beyond the flange 58 to facil-I engine, or to vany other source of. non-atmospheric pressure.

The interior of the valve cylinder `65 is inconstant communication with the atmosphere. The cap 10 is provided with an atmospheric passage 84 from which a port 85 leads into the adjacent end of the valve cylinder. The passage 84 is connected by a pipe 86 to a flexible hose 81 which preferably leads to the air` cleanerof the engine carburetor (not shown). It will be apparent that the operation of the apparatus is in no sense dependent upon the'connection of the pipe 81 to thc air clcancr, and in fact, no air cleaner need be employed although its use ispreferable.

The cylinder head 63 is provided with a lateral extension 88 in which is formed a passage 89 leading to a, pipe 90, the end of this pipe being preferably pressed 4into an elastic nipple 9| arranged in the adjacent end of the port 89.v The other end of the pipe leads to the opposite end of the cylinder 6| through a suitable connection 92.

A exible diaphragm 93 is arranged between the cylinder head 63 and the adjacent end of the motor cylinder 6|. The cylinder head 63 is provided with an annular flange 94 within which is formed a space 95 opening against the adjacent face of the diaphragm 93 and communicating' with the pocket 68. It will be noted that the space 95 is substantially arcuate, it being noted that the cylinder head 63 is provided with an inner circular boss 96 having its face flush with the face `of the fiange 94. The flange L4 ,and

' nating at the edges of the web portion |0| determines the area of the inner face of the diaphragm 93 which is open to the adjacent end of the cylinder 6|, and such face ofthe diaphragm is exactly equal in area to the opposite face of the diaphragm which is exposed to the space 95.

The inner face of the diaphragm is affected Vby pressures in the adjacent end of the cylinder while the same area of the other face of the diaphragm is affected by pressures connected to, the opposite end of the cylinder through the space 68, passage 89 and pipe v90. The plate 98 is rigidly secured against the diaphragm and to the flange 94 and boss 96 and the edges of the plate may be slightly turned away from the diaphragm as at |02 to prevent any sharp edges of the plate fromvconta'c'tingwith the diaphragm. In the arcuate space between the inner and outer ring members 99 and |00 a stifening plate |03 is secured to the diaphragm and has its edge portions turned inwardly as at |04 to render the plate |03 relatively rigid from end to end. This plate is connected substantially centrally of its length to a rod |05 extending into the pocket 1| and provided with a notch |06 receiving an ar- 'cuate member |01 carried by the crank arm 15.Y

It will be apparent that differential pressure acting on opposite sides of the diaphragm 93 will transmit forces to the crank arm 15, and the purpose of this arrangement will be referred to later.

cates with they remote end of the cylinder 6| through the passage 89 and pipe 90. 'Ihe pocket 69 communicates with the adjacent end of the Acylinder 6| in the manner shown in Figure 7.

`The cylinder head 63 is provided with a web p0r- A piston ||2 is reclprocable in the cylinder 6| and is connected to'a piston rod ||3 slidable in a bearing ||4 formed integral with the cylinder head 63. The lower end of the piston rod is notched as at ||5 to receive the rounded end lli of a lever ||1, the piston rod and its connection with the lever ||1 preferably being surrounded by anelastic boot ||1' to minimize the entrance of foreign material into the bearing for the piston rod. The lever ||1 is pivotally connected as at ||8 on a boss ||8' preferably formed integral with the section 38. The other end of the lever |1 is pivotally connected as at I9 to a yoke |20 carried by a link |2|. The other end of this link 1s connected to one arm of a bell crank lever |22 and the other end of this bell crank lever ls connected to the forward end of the rod 2|.

The pivot pin ||9 also passes 'through one end of a control lever |23 and the other end of this lever is connected by a rod |24 to the valve operating crank 11. Intermediate its ends the control lever |23 is pivotally connected to a rod |25 which extends through a slot |26 (Figure 2) formed in the lever ||1. The upper end of the rod |25 is pivotally connected to the free end of the crank member 46, as shownln Figures 1 and 2. It will be apparent that the arrangement of the crank arm 46, levers ||1 and |23 and the piston rod ||3 are such as to provide a follow-up action of the valve 12 whereby movement of the piston takes place to an extent proportional to movement of the handle 51 parallel to the steering wheel.

A slightly modified form of the invention is Y shown in Figures 9 and 10 in which the motor valve mechanism, etc.. are identical with. the forms .of these elements previously described, the only difference being in--the control handle mechanism. The parts of the apparatus which are identical with thetforms previously described have been indicated by the same reference numerals. Sections |21 and v|28 are provided which may be identical with the sections 31 and 38 previously described although it will be apparent that since the handle mechanism is arranged externally of the steering column the latter is not divided into two sections and accordingly the opening 45 (Figure 3) may be eliminated. The section |21 may be provided with a laterally extending integral bearing member |29 rotatably supporting a tubular member |30, the upper end of this member being rotatably supported in a bearing member |3| carried by the steering column. The tube |30 isprovided beneath the bearing |29 with a crank arm |32 to the free end of which` is connected the rod |25as in Figure l.

As previously stated the space 68 communi--Y A rod |33 is axially movable in the tube |20 and isslidable in a bearing element |34 clamped in a split support |35 formed integral with and projecting laterally from the supporting section |28. The lower end of the rod |33 is connected to the Bowden wire 3|. The upper end of the rod |33 is provided with a knob or ball |36.

An actuating member |31 is arranged above the bearing bracket |3| and is provided with a lower flange member |38 resting thereon. The member |31 is provided with a laterally extending portion |38 of inverted U-shape Vin crosssecticn and a handle lever |39 is pivoted within the extended portion |38 as at |40. The outer end of the lever |39 is provided with a handle |4| which may be identical in construction and arrangement with the handle 51 previously described. The inner end of the lever 39 is provided with a slot |42 through which` extends the reduced upper end' |43 of the rod |33, and

the ball |36 is arranged in a longitudinalopening |44 formed in the inner end of the handle lever |39. It will be apparent that rocking movement of the lever |39 on its pivot |40 moves the rod |33 axially in the tube |30 to' select either shift rail for operation, and that movement of the lever |39 parallel to the steering wheel turns the tube |30 and thus actuates the crank ,|32, this action controlling the valve mechanism, as 'will be described.

The principal distinction between the form of the invention shown in Figures 9 andlO and the form previously described therefore lies in the arrangement of the manually operable mechanism externally of the steering column. If desired, the modified form of the invention may be slightly simplified by omitting the bell crank lever |22, in which case a rod |45 will be directly connected at one end to the pivot ||9 and at its other end to the pivot I9 of the crank |8.

The operation of the apparatusis as follows:

Referring to Figure 8 it willbe noted that the spring 33 biases the sleeves 21 to a position in engagement with the adjacent bearing I6, in which case the button 30 will occupy the position shown in Figure 8 and the button 49'will occupy the' position shown `in Figure 3 with the crank arm 46 engaging the upper edge of the opening 45. Therefore, it will be apparent that the sleeve 42 will be in its upper position and the handle 51 will be in its lower position. It also will be apparent that the finger 26 (Figure 8) will be in engagement with thev notch 25 and accordingly the second and high gear shift rail 23 will be selected for operation upon actuation of the shifting motor 60. Assuming that the handle valve 12. The port 61 leads to the pocket 69 which communicates in turn with the adjacent end of the cylinder through the port |09 (Figure .7) and accordingly air will be exhausted from beneath the piston I l2l while the space above the piston will be maintained at atmospheric pressure.

The piston ||2 thus will start to move downwardly and will turn the lever 1 about its xed pivot H8, and this action moves the outerv end of the lever |^|1 upwardly In other words, the lever ||1 turns in a counter-clockwise direction about its pivot ||8 to pull upwardly on the link |2|, turn the bell crank lever |22 in a clockwise direction and turn the crank I8 in a similar diy rection. Undersuch conditions, the ringer -26 51 is in neutral position and it is desired to shift into low gear, the operator will disengage the vehicle clutch and then engage one'v finger beneath the flange 58 to move it toward the steering wheel. This action moves the sleeve 42 (Figure 3) axially downwardly whereupon the crank 46 pushes against the button 49 and transmits movement through the Bowden Wire 3| and button 30 (Figure 8) to move the sleeve 21 against the tension of the spring 33. Accordingly the finger 26 will be moved out of the notch 25 into the notch 24 of the low and reverse gear shift rail 22.

The operator may then exert pressure against the flange 59 to move the handle downwardly and rearwardly parallel to the plane of the steering wheel while holding thehandle in its previously described position toward the steering wheel.

VThis movement of the handle 51 rocks the tube 42 in a direction to swingr the lever 46 in a counter-clockwise direction in Figure 1, that is, looking from the lower end of the steering column.

This action pulls upwardly on the rod |25 the lower end of which has lost motion connection with the lever |1 (Figure 2). The movement of the rod |25 swings the control lever |23 in a clockwise direction about its pivot H9, it being apparent that this pivot, under the conditions I munication with the atmosphere through the (Figure 8) will move forwardly or to the left as viewed in Figure 8 and the shift rail 22 will bey moved toward low gear position.

From they foregoing it will be apparent that the operations described will take place upon upward movement of the rod |25 (Figure 1) and the corresponding end of the lever ||1 similarly moves upwardly thus preventing the lower end of the rod |25 from taking up the lost motionv pro-y vided through the .medium of the slot |26 (Figure 2). 'I'he upward movement of the pivot pin ||`9 eiected by upward movement of the adjawill not continue its movement in the direction referred to in view of the tendency for the pivot pin- ||9, upon being moved upwardly, to reverse l the movement of the valve 12.

When the low gear position of the handle 51 is reached, movement of the handle will bearrested whereupon the crank arm 46 will cease to turn and the lower end of the rod |25v will become stationary. A slight additional movement .of the motor piston in a downward direction moves the pivot pin ||9 a slight additional distance upwardly land since the lower end ofthe rod |25 will now be stationaryl the left hand end of the lever |23 will move downwardly to restore the valve 12 to its neutral position and there will be no further operation of the motor piston ||2, pessures being balanced on opposite sides thereo When the vehicle has been accelerated to the desired speed in low gear, the clutch may be disengaged, whereupon the handle 51 will be moved upwardly Iand forwardly parallel to the plane of the steering wheel until neutral position. is

reached. Such movement of the handle 51 rotates the tube 42 to turn the crank arm 46 downwardly, and with the pivot .pin I9 stationary prior to operation of the shifting motor, the inner end of thelever |23 will be moved downwardly.

Such movement will be transmitted through the link |24 to the crank 11 (Figure 4) to swing this member downwardly and thus operate through the crank 15 to move the valve 12 upwardly. Underl such conditions the vacuum passage 13 will be connected to the port 66, leading to the upper end of the cylinder 6| through pocket 68, passage 89 and pipe 90, while the port 61 will hold the lower end ofthe cylinder 6| in communication with the atmosphere through the passage 84, the lower end of the valve cylinder 65, pocket 69 and passage |09 (Figure '1),

Under such conditions the piston I2 will start to move upwardly from its lower Vposition toward the center of the cylinder andthe piston rod I3 will moveupwardly to turn the lever ||1 in a clockwise direction about its pivot IIB and thus move the outer end of the lever I |1 downwardly. This is the same direction of movement as is imparted'to the lever |23 by the rod |25, and accordingly the latter will not take up the lost motion provided by theslot |26. (Figure 2). Downward movement of the outer end of the lever |'|1 transmits similar movement to the rod sired speed, whereupon the shift may be made' `into high gear by disengaging the vehicle clutch and moving the handle 51'downwardly and rearwardly parallel to the plane-of Vthe steering wheel without* exerting any `force on the handle to move it toward the steering wheel. Under such conditions, the finger 26 will remain in engage- |2| to turn the bell crank lever |22 lin a counterclockwise direction. Similar movement is transmitted by the rod 2| to the vcrank I8, and the sleeve 21 will be turned to move the finger 26 to the right as viewed in Figure 8, thus moving the low and reverse gear shift rail toward neuswing the cranky I1 asuilicient distance to cause the crank 15 (Figure 4) to return the valve 12 to normal position. Pressures will then be equalized on opposite sides of the piston I|1 and move ment thereof will be arrested.y

It will be apparent that when the initial shift ment with the notch 25 and the motor 6| will operate in the same manner as for the previous- -ly described shifting operation from `neutral into low gear, the piston ||2 moving downwardly in the cylinder 6I and the crank I8 being turned in a clockwiseA direction as viewed in Figure 1 to move the shift rail 23 toward the left as viewed in Figure 8. Since the shift rail'23 is both the second and high gear shift rail,- it is not necessary to arrest movement of the handle 51 in neutral position and the movement of this handle may be continued straight through from the second gear to the high gear position. Whenthe latter position is reached, movement of the handle 51 will be arrested whereupon a slight additional downward movement of the piston I2 will return the valve 12 to its neutral position in the was made toward low gear position, the finger 26 in Figure 8 will have been engaged in the notch 24 and as soon as the nger 26 moved out of neutral position, the operator will have been permitted to release the pressure exerted beneath the flange 58 since the finger 26 will be held in engagement with the notch 24 by riding on the adjacent edge ofthe shift rail 23. When the shift is made back to neutral position, the same thing is true, and without any attention on the part of the operator, it merely is necessary for him to stop the movement of the handle 51 momentarily in the neutral position. When such position is reached the notches 24 and 25 will come into alignment with each other whereupon the spring 33 will move the sleeve 21 to the position shown in Figure 8, the finger' 25 promptly being transferred from the notch 24 to the notch gear. n

Assuming that the parts are thus in `neutral position with the finger 26 in engagement with the notch 25, the operator will continue to move the handle 51 upwardly and forwardly parallel to the plane of the steering wheel, under which conditions the operation of the valve, motoretc.,`

will be identical with the operation when shifting from first gear to neutral except that the finger 26 will 4be arranged in the notch 25; Accordingly the motor 60 will operate to turn the crank I6 in a counter-clockwise direction and accordingly the finger A26 will move the shift rail 23 into second gear.v When the second gear position is reached, movement of the handle 51 will be arrested, whereupon4 a slight additional movement of the motor piston ||2 will restore the valve 12 to its neutral position in exactly the same manner as when the parts werelreturned 425 ready for the shift into secondA same manner as described above in connection with the low gear position.

' The shift into reverse gear takes place in exactly the same manner as for second gear except that the handle 51 will be `pulled toward the lsteering gear in order to effect. movement of the finger 26' into engagement with the notch 24 in the manner described above in connection with the shift into low gear. This operation having been performed, the operator may hold the handle in its position toward the steering wheel and move it upwardly and forwardly parallel to the plane of the steering wheel and thus effect the shift into reverse gear. As soon as the finger 26 is moved out of the neutral position, the operator may release the pressure exerted on the handle 51 toward the steering wheel since, as described in connection with the` shift into low gear, the finger 26 cannot be released fromL the notch 24 until theparts are returned to their neutral position.

Referring to Figure 4 it will be noted that when the crank 11 is moved downwardly through the operation of the handle 51, the valve 12 will be moved upwardly and such operation connects the pocket 63 tothe vacuum passage k,13, and accordingly vacuum will be established in the space 95 beneath the diaphragm 93 as well Yas in theupperend of the motor. At the same time, atmospheric pressure will be established below the pistoni I2 and above the diaphragm 93 and accordingly opposite faces of the diaphragm will be subjected to differential pressures tending to move the diaphragm downwardly. This force is transmitted through the stem |05 to the crank arm 15 to oppose upward movement of this crank. Similarly, when the crank 15 is moved downwardly, a vacuumwill be establishedl above the diaphragm 93 while the -space 95 below 'the diaphragm 'will be connected to the atmosphere and an upward force will be transmitted through the diaphragm is-free to move under the inuence of differential pressures. Accordingly the pressures affecting the diaphragm 93 will be materially less than the pressures affecting the piston II2 but will be directly proportional thereto.

The pressures affecting the piston II2 will depend to a large extent upon the resistance encountered in the various shifting operations. During the portion of the travel of the piston in which the selected shift rail moves substantially without resistance, the piston II2 Will move freely under slight differential pressure conditions, and the same conditions will be reproduced on opposite sides of the diaphragm 93 to correspondingly slightly resist movement of the handle 51. When movement of the piston II2 is resisted, as when releasing the spring detents usually associated with the shift rails, and when encountering the synchronizing clutches of the transmission, the piston movement will be immediately retardedv and differential pressures will be immediatelyincreased on opposite sides of the vpiston II2. This is due to the fact that air will continue to be exhausted from the side of the piston toward which the piston is moving and the piston will not move suciently rapidly to reduce the volume of the corresponding end of the cylinder to an extent commensurate with the rate of exhaustion of the air. Moreover, the follow-up action of the valve 12 provided by the piston will be reduced because of the retarded movement of the piston, and movement of the handle 51 will increase the opening of the ports controlled by the valve 12 to increase the rate of admission of air into one end of the cylinder andv to increase the rate of exhaustion of air from the other end of the cylinder.

Accordingly it will be apparent that immediatelyupon the encountering of resistance by the piston in performingany shifting operation, thereI will be an instantaneous increase in differential pressures on opposite sides of the piston and consequently `on opposite sides of the diaphragm 93. Under such conditions the diaphragm 93 will offer increased resistance to the movement of the crank 15 and thisincreased resistance is felt by the operator in moving the handle 51. Accordingly the handle is provided with a highly desirable feel which is directly proportional to the resistance encountered in the various shifting operations, and thus the manual shifting of the gears is accurately simulated.

The operation of the form of the invention shown in Figures 9 and 10 is substantially identical with the operation previously described and need not be referred to in detail. Movement of the handle I 4I parallel to the plane of the steering wheel rocks the tube Ato turn the crank |32 and the resulting operation is identical with the operation which takes place upon rocking the tube 42, as previously described. Movement of the handle I4I toward and' at right angles to the plane ofthe steering wheel exerts a downward force on the rod |33 to select the low and reverse gear shift rail for operation, this operation being exactly the same as that previously described when the crank member 46 exerts a downward force on the pin 49.

While the connection between the lever I I1 and the crank I8 in Figure 9 is not as desirable as the connecting means shown in Figure 1, it is cheaper to manufacture and simpler to .install since it reduces the number of parts employed and eliminates the necessity for rotatably supporting the bell crank lever |22. Instead of the rods 2| and I2I and the bell crank lever |22 the outer end of the lever II1 is directly connected to the crank I8 by the rod |45. Downward and rearward movement of the pivot pin. IIS transmits rearward movement to the crank I8, while upward and forward movement of the pivot pin I I9 transmits forward movement to the crank I 8. The connections between the rod andthe crank I8 and pivot pin I9 are sufficiently loose to compensate for the slightly different directions of movement of the pin II9 and lever I8.

From. the foregoing it will be apparent that the present construction possesses numerous advantages over the structureof my copending application referred to above, and over any other prior structures of which I am aware.. For example, the motor and control valve mechanism therefor, the power transmitting and follow-.up means, and the manually operable portion of the mechanism are al1 supported by the rigid steering colu'mn of the vehicle, and this arrangement results in two very distinct advantages. In the first place, and most important, the supporting of all of the parts referred to by the single rigid steering column prevents any relative movement between the parts exceptmovement which is intended, such as the operation of certain of the parts by the handle 51 and the operation of other parts by the motor. Therefore, regardless of any relative movement which takes place between any of the motor vehicle parts, the accuracy of operation of the present apparatus will be wholly unaffected.

In the second place, the present installation is highly advantageous for use in automobile structures wherein there is insumcient space at either side of the gear set for the installation of the motor or any of the parts associated therewith.

In the third place, it will be noted that the assembly of the parts with respect tothe steering column is particularly compact' and ingenious. The motor is arranged to one side of the steering column, and the operating link |24 at the opposite side. The crank 11, for operating the valve mechanism, is arranged above the steering column, while the levers II1 and I 23 are arranged below the steering column. Thus to pro- 'vide aparticularly compact and ingenious arrangement, the parts of the mechanism are arranged in surrounding relationship with respect to the steering column, thus minimizing the space required for the mechanism as a whole.

vIt is additionally noted that the mechanism possesses a further highly practical advantage in that it very readily may be substituted'for portions of manually operable mechanisms for shifting motor vehicle vgears wherein the shift lever is arranged beneath the steering column, it being wholly practicable for any mechanic -of ordinary skill to make the necessary substitution of parts to change over from a manually operated mechanism to a power operated mechanism. In one such installation, for example, the free end of the lever 46 (Figure 1) is directly connected by a link to the upper arm of the bell crank lever |22. The present mechanism may be substituted for mechanisms of such type by removing the link between the levers 45 and |22 and substituting thev parts shown in Figure 1. It is not essential, of course, that the motor head 63 be made integral with the supporting section 38. 'I'his is preferred in factory-equipped installations. but for installations as an accessory, the

head 63 may be bolted or otherwise secured to the supporting section 38, thus facilitating the substitution of the present apparatus for a manual shifting mechanism of the type referred to.

It is to be understood that the forms of the Y invention herewith shown and described are to be taken as preferred examples of the'same and that various changes ln the shape, size and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the subjoined claims.

1. In combination with a motor vehicle having a steering column provided with a steering wheel at its upper end. and a transmission promember movable from a neutral position to different' transmission setting positions, la motor supported by the steering ,column and connected to actuate said shiftablemember, control mechanism of the follow-up type for said motor supported by said motor, and a control handleV supported by the steering column adjacent the steering wheel and connected to operate said control mechanism.

2. In combination with a motor vehicle having a steering column provided with a steering wheel at its upper end, and a transmission provided with a shiftable 'transmission operating y member movable from a neutral position to different transmission setting positions. a motor supported by the steering column, motion transmitting connections between said motor and said shiftable member, a manually operable handleV 4plurality of transmission operating members each shiftable from a neutral position into different'transmission setting positions, a manually operable mechanism supported by the steering column and provided with an operating handle adjacent the steering wheel, means operable upon one movement of said manually operable mechanism `for selecting either of said shiftable members for actuation, a Vmotor supported by Vvided with a shiftable transmission operating aas-1,246

bers for actuation, a motor supported by said steering column, motion transmitting means connecting said motor to the selected shiftable 'member to move .the latter upon actuation of said motor, control mechanism for said motor, and

follow-up means connecting said control mecheach shiftable from a neutral position into different transmission setting positions, a manu-` ally operable mechanism supported by the steering column, a; vhandle arranged adjacent the steering wheel and connected to said mechanism, said handle being movable in one direction to effect one movement of said manually operable mechanism and being movable in anotherdirection to eiIect a different movementof such mechanism, means having a pcrtion'supported by the steering column for utilizing said first named movement of said manually operable mechanism for selecting either of said shiftable members for actuation, a fluid pressure motor carried by the steering column and connected to effect movement of the selected shiftable member, and control valve mechanism of the followup type carried by said motor connected to said manually operable mechanism to be operated during -the second named'movement thereof.

i handle being movable in one direction to elect said steering column and connected to actuate asv plurality of transmission operating members each shiftable from a neutral position into different transmission setting positions, a Imanually operable mechanism supported by the steering column andprovided with an operating handle adjacent the steeringwheel, mean's operable upon one movement of said manually perable mechanism for selecting either of said shiftable memone movement of said manually operable mechanism and being movable in another direction to elect a diierent movement of such mechanism, means having a portion supported by the steering column for utilizing said first named movement of said manually operable mechanism for selecting either of said shiftable members for actuation, a fluid pressure motor carried by the steering column, motion transmitting connections between said motor and the selected shiftable member, a follow-up control valve mechanism for said motor, and follow-up means for operating said valve connected to said motion transmitting connections and to said manually operable mechanism to be actuated during the second named movement thereof whereby the selected shiftable member will be moved to an extent proportional to the extent of the second named movement of said handle.

7. In combination with a motor. vehicle having a steering column provided at its upper end with 'a steering wheel, and a transmission having a plurality of transmissionoperating members each shiftable. from a neutral position into different transmission setting positions, a power unit supported by the steering column and comprising a motor, a. control device therefor, operating means for said control device, and a power take-off device, such elements of said unit being arranged in surrounding relationship to said steering column, a. manually operable mechanism supported by the steering column, means connected to utilize one movement of said manually operable mechanism for selecting either of said shiftable members for operation, means connected between said power take-oil device and the selected shiftable member to actuate the latter upon operation of said motor, and means connected to transmit a different movement of. said manually operable mechanism to the operating means for said control device to' operate said motor.

8. In combination with a motor vehicle having a steering column provided at its upper end with a steering wheel, and a transmission having a plurality of transmission operating members each shiftable from a neutral position into different transmission setting positions, a power unit supported by the steering column and comprising amotor, a control device therefor, operating means for said control device, and a power take-01T device, such elements of said unit ybeing arranged in surrounding relationship to said steering column, a manually operable mechanism supported by the steering column, means connected to utilize one movement of said manually operable mechanism for selecting either of said shiftable members for operation, means connected between said power take-oli device and the selected shiftable member .to actuate the latter upon operation of said motor, means connected to transmit a different movement of said manually operable mechanism to the operating means for said control device to operate said motor, and follow-up means connected to be operated upon actuation of said motor to cause said motor to effect movement of the selected shiftable member to an extent proportional to the degree of the last mentioned movement of said manually operable mechanism.

9. In combination with a motor vehicle having a steering column provided at its upper end with a steering wheel, and a transmissionhaving a plurality of transmission operating members each shiftable from a neutral position into different transmission setting' positions, a support fixed to the steering column, a motor carried by said support, control mechanism of the follow-up type for said motor having a portion fixed with respect to a portion of said motor, a manually operable mechanism supported by the steering column and mounted to partake of movements in two directions, means connected to utilize one movement of said manually operable mechanism for selecting one of said shiftable members for operation, motion transmitting means connecting said motor to the selected shiftable member to eifect movement thereof, and means connected to transmit the other movement of said manually operable mechanism to said control mechanism to operate said motor.

10. In combination with a motor vehicle having a steering column provided at its upper end with a steering wheel, and a transmission having a plurality of transmission operating members each shiftablefrom a neutral position into different transmission setting positions, a support fixed to the steering column, a motor carried by said support, control mechanism of the. follow-up type for said motor having a portion xed with respect to a portion of said motor, a manually operable mechanism supported by the steering column and mounted to partake of movements in 9 movement of said manually operable mechanism for selecting one of said shiftable members for operation, motion .transmitting means connecting said motor to the vselected shiftable member to effect movement thereof, and follow-up control means connecting said control mechanism to said manually operable mechanism and to said motion transmitting means whereby the motor will move the selected shiftable member to an extent proportional tothe extent of the other movement of said manually operable mechanism.

11. In combination with a motor vehicle having a steering column provided at its upper end with a steering wheel, and a transmission havingr a plurality of transmission operating members each shiftable from a neutral position into different transmission setting positions', a handle supported by the steering column and mounted for movement toward or away from the steering wheel and for movement parallel to the plane of the steering wheel, means connected for utilizing the first named movement of said handle for selecting either of said shiftable members for operation, a motor supported by the steering column, motion transmitting connections between said motor and the selected shiftable membenand means of the follow-up type having a portion carried by a portion of said motor and connected to utilize the second named movement of said handle for controlling said motor.

l2. In .combination with a motor vehicle having a steering column provided at its upper end with a steering wheel, and a transmission having a plurality of transmission operating members each shiftable from a neutral position into different transmission setting positions, a handle supported by the steenng column andmounted for movement toward or away from the steering wheel and for movement parallel to the plane of the steering wheel, means connected for utilizing the first named movement of said handle for selecting either .of said shiftable members for operation, a motor supported by the steering column, motion transmitting connections between said motor and the selected shiftable member, means carried by the steering column and connected to utilize the second named movement of said handle for controlling said motor, and follow-up connections carried by the steering column and controlled by operation of said motor and by said last named means for causing said motor to move the selected shiftable member to an extent proportional to the extent of the second named movement of said handle.

13. In combination with a motor vehicle having a steering column provided at its upper end with a steering wheel, and a transmission having a plurality of transmission operating mem-'- bers each shiftable from a neutral position into different transmission setting positions, a handle supported by the steering column and mounted for movement toward or away from the steering wheel and for movement parallel to the plane of the steering wheel, means for utilizing the rst named movement of said handle for selecting one of said shiftable members for operation, a member supported by the steering column and connected to said handle to be rocked upon movement of the handle parallel to the plane two directions, means connected to utilize one (5 of the steering wheel, a crank carried by such member, a motor carried by the steering column,

motion transmitting connections between said low-up means carried by the steering column and connecting said control mechanismto said crank and to` said motion transmitting connections to cause said motor to move the selected shiitable member to an extent proportional to the-extent of movement of said handle.

14. In combination with a motor vehicle havl ing a steering column provided at its upper end for said control mechanism carried by the steerwith'a steering wheel, and a transmission having a plurality of transmission operating members each shiftable from a neutral position into diierent transmission setting positions, a handle supported by the steering column and mounted for movement at right angles to the' plane of the steering wheel and for movement parallel to such plane, means for utilizing the'rst named movement of said handle for selecting either of said shiftable` members for operation, a motor unit supported by the steering column, said unit comprising a differential fluid pressure operated' motor, control valve mechanism therefor and a pressure responsive member influenced by presf sures in opposite ends of said motor, motion transmitting means connecting said motor to the selected shiftable member, means for operatingr said control Vvalve mechanism upon movement of said handle parallel to the plane of the steer'- ing wheel, and means connected to said pressure responsive memberA for resisting movement of said handle parallel to the plane of the steering` Wheel to a degree proportional to resistances encountered by said motor in moving the selected shiftable member.l

l5. In combination with a motor vehicle having a steering column provided at its upper end with astre." .g wheel, and a transmission having a plurality of transmission operating members each shiftable from a neutral position into different transmission setting positions, a handle supported by the steering column and mounted for movement at right angles to the plane of `the steering wheel and for movement parallel to s uch plane, means for utilizing the rst named ing column and connected to be operated by said motion transmitting connections and by rocking movement of said control member whereby said motor will'move the selected shiftable member to an extent proportional to the extent of the rocking movement of said control member.

17. In combination with a motor vehicle having a steering column provided at its upper end with a steering wheel, and a transmissionA having a plurality of transmission operating members each shiftable from a neutral position into different transmission setting positions, a rocking member supported by the steering column in approximately parallel relationship thereto, a member axially movable in said rocking member, a handle arranged adjacent the steering wheel and connected to said rocking member and said axially movable member whereby movement of said handle at right angles to the steering wheel will move said axially movable member while movement of said handle parallel to'the plane of the steering wheel will rock said rocking member, means for utilizing movement of said axially movable member for selecting either shiftable movement of said handle for selecting either of said shiftable members for operation, a motor unit supported by the steering column, said unit comprising a differential uid pressure operated motor, control valve mechanism therefor and a pressure responsive member influenced by pres- Y sures in opposite endsV of y said motor, motion transmitting means connecting said motor to the selected shiftable member, follow-up control means connecting said valve mechanismA to said handle and to said motion transmitting means whereby said motor will move the selected shiftable member to an extent proportional to movement of said handle parallel to the plane of the steering wheel, and means connected to said pressure responsive member for resisting the last mentioned movement of said handle to an extent proportional to the resistance encountered by said motor in moving the selected shiftable member. i

a steering column provided vat its upper end with a steering wheel, and a transmission having a 16. In combination with a motor vehicle having plurality of transmission operating members each sliiftable from a neutral position into different transmission setting positions, a control member mounted in the steering column for rocking and axial movement, a handle supported by the steering column adjacent the steering wheel and differently movable to effect the respective movements of said control member, means for utilizing axial movement of said control member for member for actuation, a motor supported by the steering column, motion transmitting means connecting` said motor to the selected shiftablemember, a crank connected to said rocking member, a control mechanism for said motor, and a followup mechanism connecting said control mechanism to said crank and to said motion transmitting connections whereby said motor will move the selected shiftable member to an extent substantially proportional to the extent of movement of said handle parallel to the plane of the steering wheel.

18. In `combination with a motor vehicle having a steering column provided at its upper end with a' steering wheel, and a transmission having a plurality of transmission operating members each shiftable vfrom a neutral position into diilerent transmission setting positions, a manually operable mechanism supported by the steering ycolumn and provided with an operating handle adjacent the steering wheel, means operable upon one movement of said manually operable mechanism for selecting either of said shiftable members for actuation, a motor supported by said steering column, motion transmitting means connecting said motor to the selected shiftable member to move the latter upon actuation of said motor, control mechanism for said motor, and follow-up means connected to be responsive to operation'of said manually operable mechanism upon a different movement thereof, and to operation of said motor, whereby the selected shiftable member, upon actuation of said motor, will be moved to an extent proportional to the extent of said different movement of said manually operable mechanism. A

. 19. In combinationwith a motorvehicle having a steering column provided at its upper end with a steering wheel, and a transmission having a plurality of transmission operating members'each shiftable from a neutral position into difl'erent transmission setting positions, a manually operable mechanism supported by the steering column, a handle arranged adjacent the steer-v ing wheel and connected to said mechanism, said handle being movable in one direction to effect4 one movement of said manually operable mechanism and being movable in another direction to effect a diierent movement of such mecha-- nism, means' having a portion supported by the steering column for utilizing said first named movement of said manually operable mechanism for selecting either of said shiftable members for actuation, a fluid pressure motor carried by the steering column and connected to eiect movement of the selected shiftable member, and a follow-up control valve mechanism for said motor having a portion xed with respect to a portion of said motor, .and follow-up means controlled by operation of said motor and by said manually operable mechanism upon said second named movement of said handle for causing said motor to move the selected shiftable member to an extent proportional to the extent of the second named movement of said handle.

20. In combination with a motor vehicle having a steering column provided at its upper end with a steering wheel, and a transmission having a plurality of transmission operating members each shiftable from a neutral position into different transmission setting positions, a handle supported by the steering column and mounted for movement toward or 'away from the steering wheel and for movement parallel to the plane of the steering wheel, means for utilizing the first ber, a motor carried by the steering column, motion transmitting connections between said motor and the selected shiftable member, a control mechanism for said motor carried by the steering column, and follow-up control means for said control mechanism carried by the steering column and responsive to operation of said crank and to operation of said motor tocause the latter to move the selected shiftable member to an extent proportional to the extent of movement of said crank by said handle.

21. In combination with a motor vehicle having a steering column provided at its upper end with a steering wheel, and a transmission having a plurality of transmission operating members each shiftable from a neutral position into different transmission setting'positions, a control member mounted in the steering column for rocking and axial movement, a handle supported by named movement of said handle for selecting the steering 'column adjacent the steering wheel and diierently movable to eiect the respective movement'of said control member, means for utilizing axial movement of said control member for selecting either shiftable member for operation, a support secured to the steering column, a motor carried by said support, motion transmitting connections between said motor and the selected shiftable member for moving thelatter, control'mechanism for said motor carried by the steering column, and *follow-up, control means for said control mechanism carried by the steering column and connected to be responsive to operation of said motor and to rocking movement of said control member whereby said motor will move the selected shiftable member to an extent proportional to the extent of the rocking movement of said control member. Y

HENRY BAADE. 

